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ANNUAL OifSERVANCE 



OF 



AVashington's Birthday, 



BY THE 



Washington Light Infantry 



OF 



CHARLESTON, S. C 




22D FEBRUARY, 1878 



CHARLESTON, S. C. 

THE NEWS AND COURIER BOOK AND JOB PRESSES, 

1878. 



WASHINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY. 

22d FEBRUARY, 1878. 



ARRIVAL OF GEN. LEE-HIS WELCOME AT THE WASHINGTOX LIGHT 

INFANTRY ARMORY. 

[From The News and Courier, February 22, 1878.] 



At half-past 7 o'clock last evening, Thurs- 
day, the Slst Inst., the committee of citizens, 
of which Commodore Ingraham was chairman, 
together with the honorary and associate mem- 
bers of the Washington Light Infantry, as- 
sembled at their armory, which had been 
decorated for the occasion. 

The drawing room, in addition to the ele- 
gant appointments, was adorned with flags 
and bunting. The several colors of the com- 
pany were displayed, including the new memo- 
rial flag to be presented at Military Hall on the 
22d instant. 

It is of rich cardinal red silk, and measures 
five feet in length by three and a half in 
depth. It was designed three years ago by 
the late John B. Irving, Jr., of whom (South 
Carolina is so justly proud. The skill with which 
the needle has been made to reproduce the 
conception of the artist is hardly less to be 
admired than the design itself. The em- 
broidery is indeed exquisite, and only the 
closest inspection can do justice to its merits. 

On one side, in the centre of the red field, 
stands a large Palmetto tree, wrought in fine 
chenille, shaded to represent the varied hues 
of the natural tree. Below the base appears 
in small letters, also of chenille, the date "22(Z 
February, 1873," the date of the revival, 
after the war, of the military observance of the 
day. Beneath this in laree letters of old Eng- 
lish text in gray shaded silk, is the name of 
the corps and the date of its organization : 
Washington Light Infantry, 1807. The flag is 
outlined by a border of oak leaves in green che- 
nille, interspersed with acorns and branches of 
wood color. Gracefully interwoven through- 
out the whole appear, at intervals, legends 
bearing the record of the IF. L. I., in letters 
of golden silk, edged in blue. The first is 
''Vliarlestmi, 1812-15;" then follow ''Lafay- 
ette, 1825;" "£Htaw Flag, 1827;" "St. Augus- 
tine, 1836;" "Fourth of July, Capt. Porter, 
1846;" "CowjieiVs Monument, 1856;" Wm. 
Washington Monument, 1858;" "Bunker Hill, 
1875;" "Fourth of July, Philadelphia, 1876;" 
*' Hampton Reception, ' 1 877 . " 

On the reverse appears a rich border of 
oak leaves and acorns in chenille, with an 



inner wreath of the same enclosing a faithful 
copy of the marble monument in Ma"-- 
nolia Cemetery, erected to the one hundred 
and thirteen members of the W. L. I. who 
died in the Confederate service. This is em- 
broidered in silk floss, shaded from white to 
darkest gray, reproducing the effect of lio-ht 
and shadow in stone. Two palmrtto 
branches, torn by shot and shell, worked in 
green cheniile, are crossed at the base, 
and displays this pathetic motto, "Pariier 
Pletate vel Armis Itisignls," and the date of the 
late struggle, "1861-65." On the two upper 
corners, "Co. A, Twenty-flfth S. C. V " "Co 
B, Twenty-fifths. C. F.;" at the lower left 
hand corner, also in letters of golden silk is 
"Co. A, Hampton Legion Infantry," on the 
right, "IF. L. I. Charitable Aasociation, 1866." 
The whole is bordered by a handsome 
fringe of red and golden silk. The silk 
fringe, cords and tassel were imported from 
England in 1875 for this purpose through the 
agents of the manufacturers of the silk used 
for the standards of the English army The 
embroidery was done at Mr. Shuckman'n's in 
King street. The flagstaff is of palmetto 
surmounted by an eagle. Altogether, this 
standard, in conception and execution, has 
no equal in the Southern country. It reflects 
the highest credit on those who designed it 
and have brought the work to so brilliant a 
termination. 

Among the other decorations were the arms 
of Great Bkitain, France, Germany, Spain 
and the United States on silk bannerets in 
very handsome style. The portraits of Wash- 
ington, Lee, Hampton, Porter, Gilman and 
others were adorned with laurel leaves, ivy 
moss and evergreens, the work of the 'lady 
friends of the corps. Over the silk-woven 
portrait of Washington the tri-coior flag of 
France was in full display as a compliment to 
the donors. 

The Sumtek Panel now occupies the space 
between the King street windows of the 
drawing room. The central attraction is 
Stuart s portrait of Gen. Stephen Elliott, in 
gray jacket, standing on the ruins of Fort 
Sumter with a field glass in his hand. The 
portrait rests on a frame containing the fol- 



4 



lowing portraits of officers identified with the 
defence of Sumter: Capt. Jno. C. Mitchel, 
who succeeded Gen. Elliott in command and 
died at his post; Maj. T. A. Huguenin, who 
succeeded to the command upon the death of 
Capt. Mitchel and held it nntil abandoned; 
Capt. (now Rev.) John Johnson, engineer of 
the post, who found a way "to hold the fort;" 
Capt. Frank Harleston, of 1st S. C. Regular 
Artillery, a graduate of the Citadel Academy, 
who fell at the post of duty on the southeast 
rampart, and Capt. James M. Carson, Com- 
pany A, W. L. I. Volunteers, 25th Regiment. 
It is intended to add other portraits as oppor- 
tunity presents. 

Above all is temporarily displayed the rem- 
nants of the battle flag recently presented to 
the corps by Mr. Gibbes. Its permanent loca- 
tion will be the same so soon as it can be pre- 
pared for a glass case intended to preserve it 
to posterity. Close beside this portrait is one 
of Lieut. R. A. Blum, who was killed at Bat- 
tery Wagner in command of Company B, W. 
L. L, on the night of the evacuation of Mor- 
ris Island. The armory proper was decorated 
with flags. Between the centre windows the 
word Welcome blazed forth in bright gas 
jets, and on either sides the names of "Hamp- 
ton" and "Lee," the chief guests of the occa- 
sion, flashed out in brilliant effect. Opposite 
the splendid gun case, which has been so 
universally admired, was surmounted by an oil 
portrait, life size, of Governor Hampton, sup- 
ported on either side by the arms of Virginia 
and South Carolina on silk bannerets. On 
either side of the Governor's portait bronzed 
cannon and other military decorations were 
displayed, while over the portrait a small 
palmetto flag waves in honor of the "Man of 
the Legion." 

The handsome oil portrait of Governor 
Hampton was loaned by Mr. G. N. Barnard, 
artist. King street, who also reproduced the 
portraits in the Sumter panel. 

Gens. W. H. F. Lee, Harry Heth and T. M. 
Logan were met on their arrival at the North- 
eastern Depot by Capt. Courtenay, Lieuts. 
Geo. D. Bryan, Alex. W. Marshall, W. Lucas 
Simons and Geo. B. Edwards, with Secretary 
F. H. Honour bearing the Eutaw flag, and 
Privates E. J. Masterman and D. B. Gilliland 
as color guard. After cordial greetings, Capt. 
Courtenav, with the guests from Virginia, en- 
tered an open carriage, in charge of Stephuey 
Riley, who had asked to be allowed the honor 
of driving Gen. Lee into the city. 

The carriage proceeded to the left of the 
brigade line, and the W. L. I. formed in 
square around it as a special guard of honor, 
with the Palmetto Guard, Lieut. B. C. Webb 
commanding, German Fusiliers, (Japt. W. 
Knobeloch commanding, Sumter Guards,Capt. 
D. Huger Bacot commanding, and Irish Vol- 
unteers, Capt. B. F. McCabe commanding, as 
the escort to the Armory. 

The following gentlemen were present by 
invitation of the Washihgton Light Infantry, 
as a committee of citizens to assist in the re- | 



ception of Gen. W. 11. F. Lee, Gen. Harry 
Heth, and Gen. T. M. Logan, of Virginia: 

Commodore Ingraham, Chairman. 
Col. C. H. Simouton. Gen. F. W. Capers. 
N. R. Middleton, Esq. J. D. Aiken, Esq. 
Gen. Jas. Conner. L. D. Mowry, Esq. 

I)r. Henry Winthrop. Capt. James Simons. 
Col. T. Y. Simons. Dr. J. Ford Prioleau. 
Dr. A. B. Rose. Col. C. S. Gadsden. 

T. D. Wagner, Esq. J. L. Honour, Esq. 
Col. P. C. Gaillard. Col. S. B. Pickens. 
A. O. Andrews, Esq. James M. Eason, Esq. 
Col. Ed. McCrady. Rev. E. C. Edgerton. 
Hon. Henry Buist. Dr. F. L. Parker. 
Rev. A. T. Porter. T. D. Jervey, Esq. 
Gen.W. G. DeSaussure.Oct. Wilkie, Esq. 
A. S. Johnston, Esq. C. P. Aimar, Esq. 
Capt. F.W. Dawson. Wm. Th;iyer, Esq. 
Jas. M. Wilson, Esq. Julian Mitchell, Esq. 
Maj. R. C. Gilchrist. Dr. J. L. Ancrum. 
F. J. Pelzer, Esq. R. M. Marshall, Esq. 

A. St. Amand, Esq. Isaac Hayne, Esq. 
H. S. Grigffs, Esq. Rob't D.'Mure, Esq. 

Col. G. H. Walter. W. L. Webb, Esq. 
Maj. T. A. Huguenin. W. L. Campbell, Esq. 
Andrew Simonds, Esq. H. P. Archer, Esq. 
Jas. S. Gibbes, Esq. B. F. Huger, Esq. 
Prof. F. S. Holmes. A. W. Taft, Esq. 
R. B. Rhett, Esq. W. M. Bird, E^-q. 

J. P. K. Bryan, Esq. V. C. Dibble, Esq. 

Commodore Ingraham, who received Gen. 
Lee, as soon as he entered the hall, addressed 
him as follows : 

General : As chairman of the committee of 
citizens charged with the agreeable duty of 
receiving you, it is my pleasure on their be- 
half to bid you welcome to Charleston. My 
long friendship with your noble father and 
gallant uncle Capt. Lee, enhances the occa- 
sion, which affords me an opportunity to wel- 
come a son of Robert E. Lee to our city. I 
sincerely trust. General, that your visit may 
add another link to the chain which binds 
the people of South Carolina to those of gal- 
lant Virginia. Again, General, I bid you a 
heartfelt welcome. 

Gen. Lee shook hands cordially with the 
citizens as they were presented, and also with 
the ofiicers and members of tne Palmetto 
Guards, German Fusiliers, Sumter Guards, 
Irish Volunteers and Washington Light Infan- 
try of the military escort who had called 
in a body to pay their respects. Numer- 
ous hearty cheers were given for the distin- 
guished guests and for the hosts of the recep- 
tion. Gens. Lee, Heth and Logan remained 
at the Armory some time receiving visitors, 
and at 10 o'clock. Commodore Ingraham, Dr. 
Rose, and other gentlemen of the committee 
escorted the Virginians to their quarters at 
the Charleston liotel. 

After the reception at their armory last 
night the Washington Light Infantry repaired 
to the Charleston Hotel Vith the Post Band, 
and gave the newly arrived guests a serenade 
with a number of choice selections, beginning 
with "The sweet bye and bye." 



THE HAMPTON-LEE RECEPTION. 



[From The News and Courier, February 23, 1S78.] 



The Sevent3'-tirst Anniversary of the Wash- 
ington Light Infantry was celebrated with 
great eclat oq the 22d inst., at 5)4 o'clock, 
in the afternoon. Over two hundred and forty 
guests assembled at their magnilicent armory, 
Masonic Temple, which was elaborately de- 
corated for the occasion. At 6 o'clock the 
band played an inspiriting march, and the 
entire company proceeded to the adjoining 
banquet hall, where one of the most elegant 
fruit and wine parties ever given in South 
Carolina, was appointed. The tables were de- 
corated with floral offerings, most tastefully 
arranged, and around their entire circuit 
'"Mumm's Extra Dry" iced champagne was in 
full supply, a bottle projecting from amid the 
floral offerings at intervals of about ten 
inches. The only decoration in this hand- 
some saloon was the banner displayed in front 
of the armory October 30th, 1876, upon the 
disbanding of the Washington Light Infantry, 
by President Grant's orders, bearing this la- 
conic inscription: "Disbanded, but solid for 
Hampton," suspended from which was a 
(rimson flag — with W. L. I in white letters — 
ajlracalliug the tyr£uny of the election period 
of 1876. 

As soon as the company had refreshed them- 
selves, Capt. Courteiiay, in behalf of the Wash- 
ington Light Infantry, then welcomed the 
distinguisiied visitors in the following elo- 
quent address : 

Friends and Countrymen : We have as- 
sembled in patriotic commemoration of 
the birthday of Washington ! With deep 
thankfulness for the blessings so recent- 
ly vouchsafed to us, and the hope that the 
peace and political progress we now enjoy, in 
marked contrast with the vulgar tyranny of a 
short year ago, may, for centuries to come, 
be the lot of a free, happy and prosperous 
Carolina. 

It is my pleasing office to extend a wel- 
come, cordial and heartfelt, to each and 
all. Welcome ! to the steadfast patriot, our 
honored Chief Magistrate, who has labored so 
well for us; as true a follower of the voice of 
conscience and of duty as ever walked the 
world's rough highway. South Carolina's 
best future is implicit reliance on the words 
and acts of Wade Hampton ! 

Welcome ! to the brave men and true, who 
did the State large service in her successful 
struggle against corruption and wrong. 



And not alone in this our joy we welcome 
to our hearts and homes citizens of a sister 
State— how near and dear to us may be seen and 
felt in the sparkling eye and warmth of grasp, 
at the mention of the familiar name— Vir- 
ginia. 

Men of Richmond !— welcome to Carolina ! 
We thank you for your pilgrimage hither, in 
generous appreciation of our love for you. 

Welcome ! thrice welcome to him, the im- 
mediate representative of one whose memory 
is enshrined in all our hearts, who bore our 
faintest hopes to the end, and when the end 
came, taught us new lessons of duty and of pa- 
triotism. 

"O good grey-head which all men knew! 

O voice from which their omens all men drew! 

O iron nerve to true occasion true!" 

Mother State ! Birthland of Washington and 
Lee ! the Palmetto State can ask no higher 
honor than that you should send as yourlep- 
resentative the son of such a sire. 

And now, my countrymen, on this secular 
Sabbath, sacred alike to memory and to hope, 
let us rejoice that we are not alone in our oli- 
servance of this day. Not only in the populous 
centres of the Kepublic^ but as well the 
lonely and remote have their part in this com- 
memoration. "Where the boatman follows the 
winding stream, or the woodman explores the 
forest shades, where the miner lays down his 
eager drill beside rocks which guard the pre- 
cious vein, or where the herdsman along the 
Siei-ras looks forth on the seas, which at our 
midnight shall be gleaming like gold in the 
setting sun — there also will the day be regard- 
ed as a day of memorial. The sailor on the 
sea will note it, and deck his ship in its bright- 
est array of flags and bunting. Everywhere 
will be those who have thought of to-day, 
and who with us greet its coming." 

Such is the day and the event we celebrate, 
one of the two holidays of the countrv, and in 
national esteem is identified with the birth 
of the nation itself. That which a hundred 
years ago was the unwritten creed in the 
hearts of all the people, has since received the 
.sanction and solemnities of law, and the birth- 
day of the Father of his Country has become 
a National Sabbath. 

This thought and this feeling were per- 
fectly expressed, by an illustrious Virginian 
when our greatest earthly benefactor passed 
from earth; and we cannot better express 
our veneration and gratitude, on the dav 
we have met to do homage to the immof- 



tal Virginian and American, than by adopting 
the words of Lighthorse Harry Lee, which 
then and now, with accumulated emphasis 
and sanction, symbolize the thought of his 
countrymen everywhere. 

Permit me, then, to propose, as the toast 
of the day : "The memory of the man— first 
in war— first iu peace — first in the hearts of 
his countrymen," and I have the honor to 
call on our'distinguished guest, the grandson 
of "Lighthorse Harry," to respoud. 

AftcT the cheering which Capt. Courtenay's 
remarlis elicited. Gen. W. H. F. Lee was in- 
troduced, and was greeted with prolonged 
cheers, which prevented him from responding 
for some minutes. When the cheering ceased 
he spoke as follows : 

A.lr. Chairman — In replying to this toast, I 
must thanli you for the warm sentiments which 
you have been pleased to express toward Vir- 
ginia and her sons; for Virginia, proud it is 
true of her greatest son, does not think that 
slie can claim him solely for herself. She is 
satisfied in having been able to have given 
him to this great American nation. First in 
war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of 
his countrymen, he stands out in the world's 
history as the Father of his Country— and that 
country, now cof hardly a hundred years in 
age, ranking among the foremost nations of 
tlie earth— and his mother State, whatever be 
her fate, will be honored for all time to come 
fur having given to the world such a man — a 
perfect model for the imitation of mankind. 
And we also, sir, your sruests on this joyous 
occasion — sous of the same old mother — come 
among you with our hearts warm towards 
Carolina and her gallant people. Tliere has 
been no period iu your history, either in war 
or peace, that the hearts of the people of Vir- 
ginia have not been in sympathy with those 
of Carolina. And especially has it been so in 
the last years of trial and tribulation which 
have been the darkest in your history. We 
have wept with you in your sorrow, and now, 
thank God, can reioice with you in your 
great and glorious political victory which 
has brought again the smiles of gladness to 
your cheek, and it is with the proudest satis- 
faction that we hail this day which gave to 
freedom Washington as a brighter omen for 
the future of your State. And now, sir, 
as you will have to listen to me in a short 
time in the same line of thought, I will 
not detain you longer, but before taking my 
leave I wish to oiler you a sentiment. I give 
vou, sir, Carolina — May her future, under the 
wise and prudent guidance of the gallant 
Himpton — a man not more honored in the 
Palmetto State than in Old Virginia— be in the 
material life which lies before her, not less 
srlorious than that which she achieved iu the 
Leroic age of the South. [App'auseJ 

Vociferous cheering greeted Geu. Lee as he 
progressed in his eloquent speech, and at its 
close the hall rang with deafening applause. 
Governor Hampton rose to respond to the 
sentiment with which Gen. Lee had closed 
his speech, the warm delivery of which 



greatly added to its effect. Governor Hamp- 
ton was heartily received, none the less by 
the Virginians than the Carolinians. He 
spoke as follows : 

My friemU of the Washington Light Infantry! 
This is the second occasion to-day that I have 
had the pleasure of meeting men who were 
my comrades during the war. I have seen 
the men of the Washington Artillery and now 
I meet those of the first company that volun- 
teered for the Hampton Legion, the men who 
were on the right of that legion; who under 
Conner went always nearest the flashing of 
the guns, and out of 106 came out of the war 
with but two men who were not killed or 
wounded. I remember all these things; I 
remember all the incidents connected with the 
legion, and I tell you that you and all who 
served with me are bound to me by ties 
which death may, but nothing else can ever 
sever. I have had the good fortune to lead 
many of you in battle. It has been, per- 
haps, my better fortune to lead you during 
this last political canvass. I take no 
credit to myself, for I was but the exponent 
of the feelings, the voice and the entire heart 
of the people of South Carolina. But I can 
say this to you, young men of South Carolina, 
that I dedicated every feelins:, wish and 
thought to the safety, honor and pi'osperity 
of South Carolina. You cannot know, you 
can never know, the sacrifices I made in that 
canvass; but, had they been tenfold greater — 
had they involved even my life— the satisfac- 
tion I have felt since in seeing a free people 
once more upon the soil of my old mother, 
and iu recosinizing that in the hearts of the 
people of South Carolina I have a warm 
place, would afford me ample compensation 
for all that I have had to endure. [Applause.] 
My time is almost out. Let me say to you 
that the fight is not over yet. That this next 
election will be the crisis in the history of this 
State. You have it in your hands to say 
whether that will perpetuate the peace and 
prosperity of the State; whether the power 
will remain in your hands, or whether it will 
be lost. You have seen that by doing justice 
to all, recognizing the rights of all citizens of 
Soutli Carolina, you can carry the State. If 
you go on in that line you will carry it agrain, 
but I warn you if you depart from that 
straight and narrow road, if you allow the ex- 
treme men of this tState to take possesion of it, 
just as sure as the sun will rise it will rise 
upon your failure. I speak as a Carolinian to 
Carolinians. I ask you to think of these 
things. You, the young men of South 
Carolina, into whose hands her destinies will 
soon be placed, who are to take our 
places, are the ones to work upon this 
line. Yf)u have a glorious destiny before 
you. By your conduct in the last 
election you have stamped yourselves 
heroes. You have shown a courage hi'gher 
than the highest courage in facing the 
cannon's mouth — that you can govern your- 
selves; that you are worthy of the freedom 
you have achieved. Now, let me adjure you, 



to go on in the same line and devote your- 
selves to your State. Think of nothing but 
the interest of that State. Work for it, dedi- 
cate youselves to it, and tliough I may not 
see it — it may be I will have passed otf the 
scene — but your children and my children will 
rise up to call you blessed. 

I did not intend to say so much to-night, but 
there are themes which when they are touched 
arouse the emotions of my heart, and one of 
those themes is that toast just given — South 
Carolina. 

I close as I began, praying that you as citi- 
zens of South Carolina will prove worthy of 
the destinies before you, and that you will 
lift the old State up, and proud as her record 
has been, you will make it prouder, brighter 
and more glorious in the future. 

Tremendous cheering followed the Gover- 
nor's speech, so replete with wisdom and 
liberal and patriotic sentiment. 

Lieut. George D. Bryan, of the Washington 
Light Infantry, made a complimentary allu- 
sion to the citizen soldiery of the State, which 
called out General B. H. Rutledge, of the 1st 
Division, who said he would not make a 
speech, but would take occasion to refer to 
one who had added lustre to the State and 
to the people from whom he had descended. 
All eyes were turned upon Brigadier-General 
Rudolph Siegling, who was greeted with 
cheers. 

Gen. Siegling, after responding to the com- 
pliment paid to the Fourth Brigade and him- 
self by Gen. Rutledge, said : 

It gives me very great pleasure to dis- 
charge an agreeable duty for our hosts of 
the evening. It is to express the high appre- 
ciation of the Washington Light Iniautry for 
the public spirited and zealous manner in 
which the adjutant general of the State has 
discharged the duties of his laborious office. 
Actuated by the desire to elevate the stan- 
dard of military excellence, and despite great 
obstacles, his aim has been to secure for the 
service a limited force of volunteers, well 
equipped and disciplined, which would com- 
mand the respect of the people of the State. 
This command has especially invited Gen. 
Moise to be present on this gala occasion, 
that, in the presence of this distinguished as- 
semblage, these acknowledgments should be 
publicly made, for his interest manifested in 



in their affairs, and receive, as he was sure 
they would, the unanimous approval of the 
representatives of the Fourth Brigade pre- 
sent. [Prolonged cheering and cries for Gen. 

Moise.] 

Gen. Moise on rising was received with en- 
thusiastic applause, and spoke as follows : 

Soldiers of the Washington Light Infantry ! 
I am deeply sensible of the very handsome 
manner in which you have received the gen- 
erous remarks of Gen. Siegling. 

I am conscious that these are more to be 
attributed to his noble nature, than to any 
merit which I possess. 

Looking around me and seeing the superb 
array of citizen soldiery assembled at your 
festive board, and in tliis splendid hall, I am 
overcome by a sense of proud exultation that 
here, in the metropolis of our State, under 
these smiling, joyous skies, we meet in pros- 
perity and in peace. The future must ever be 
a nameless fear and an undefined hope. In 
either event, whether to enjoy the blessings 
of happy and deserved rest, and to reap the 
rewards of earnest effort well directed, or to 
face with calm serenity the storms of fate, 
and bear with fortitude the evil results of 
dissension and consequent misrule, South Car- 
olina will rely on her soldier sons and will see 
her honor reflected from their arms. Gentle- 
men of the Washington Light Infantry, by the 
light of your past record, I read the glory of 
your future history. 

Gen. T. M. Logan, who never fails to re- 
ceive a hearty greeting from the Washington 
Light Infantry, and particularly from those 
veterans whom he so often and gallantly led 
in Virginia, was loudly called for. It was 
doubtful if he would have time to speak as 
the hour was drawing nigh for the oration, 
and he only consentedto do so because Gov- 
ernor Hampton introduced iiim. He s):)oke 
briefly in relation to his presence in the city 
and at the entertainment, which he said was 
due to his former chieftain, Governor Hamp- 
ton, whom he followed in peace as in war. 
He then proposed three cheers for Gen. W. 
H. F. Lee, which were given with great spirit. 
This ended the reception, which was elegant 
and tasteful, and which was enlivened by 
music by the Virginia Band and the famous 
Eutaw Band. 



ORATION AND FLAG PRESENTATION. 



ANNUAL ORATION BEFORE THE WASHINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY, 
FEBRUARY 22, 1878, BY THE REV. E. C. EDGERTON, A MEMBER OF 
THE COMPANY. 



The spacious exhibition room of Military 
Hall was jjacked to its utmost capacity last 
night to witness the presentation of the flag 
given by the ladies of Charleston to the 
Washington Light Infantry. The audience 
was largely composed of ladies, and was one 
of the most brilliant ever gathered in this 
city, the uniforms gleaming conspicuously 
among the silks and jewels on the floor. On 
the stage was gathered a large number of 
distinguished gentlemen. Among them were 
the Walker Light Guard of Richmond, Va., 
Rev. J. Wm. Jones of Richmond, Attorney- 
Gen. Leroy Youmans Gen. Sam'l McGowan, 
Hon. W. D. Porter, Commodore D. N. 
Ingraham, Brigadier-General Stokes, Brigadier 
General Sieglinsr, the Rev. Father C. J. 
Croghan, Col. F. W. Capers, Col. Scully, U. 
S. A., ex-Gov. A. G. Magrath, Judge Bryan, 
Gen. Humphreys, Lieut. Bargamin, of the 
Walker Light Guard, Hon. T. Y. Simons, Col. 
C. H. Simonton, Col. C. R. Miles, Adjutant 
Miles, of the First Brigade of Cavalry, Major 
J. F. Fickin, Col. C. Kerrisou, Jr., Major A. 
T. Smythe, Adjutant Dennis O'Neill, Col. A. 
O. Andrews, Capt. Sweeue}', Regimental 
Quartermaster of the Seventeenth Regiment, 
Major Von Santen, of Gen. Siegling's 
Staff, Capt. Post and Major Gould, United 
States Army, Capt. Rhett and Lieut. T. Piuck- 
ney Lowndes, of the Marion Artillery, Capt. 

B. F. McCabe, of the Irish Volunteers; 
Mons. Truy, French Consul ; Col. Zimmer- 
man Davis, Maj. R. C. Gilchrist, Maj. Wm. 
Boyle andMaj.McIver, of Gen. Stokes's staff; 
l^ieut. H. T. Williams, of the Carolina Rifle 
Battalion; Col. Cain, of the Governor's staff, 
Capt. E. A. Smyth, of the Washington Artil- 
lery, and many others. 

The proceedings were opened with a most 
eloquent and appropriate prayer by the Rev. 
A. Toomer Porter. At the conclusion of this, 
Capt. W. A. Courtenay introduced the Rev. 
Mr. Edgerton, of Aiken, as the annual orator, 
whose oration we now present in full, as 
follows : 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow-Soldiers of (he 
Washington Light In.fantrij : We celebrate to- 
day the one hundred and forty-sixth anniver- 
sary of the birth of Washington, the hero of 
the Revolution, the first of American Presi- 
dents, the Father of his Country, and the ad- 
miration of the world. 



To do honor to the memo-y of the illustri- 
ous dead is both the payment of a just debt 
which we owe to them, and the source of a 
great benefit which we derive unto ourselves. 
It is the payment of a debt of gratitude 
to them. Reaping as we do the large advan- 
tages purchased by their labors, sacrifices and 
unselfish devotion, it is the least that we can 
do to ever cherish their names in grateful 
recollection, and sometimes to give public ex- 
pression to the feelings of affectionate venera- 
tion with which they inspire us. And if in 
that world of spirits to which they have gone 
any faint whisper, any distant rumor of 
aught that transpires below, can e'er be 
known, then the benefactors of our race may 
still continue to reap some recompense of all 
they suffered, as generation after generation 
rises up in turn to call them blessed. 

To-day we meet together to make that an- 
nual tribute, which with few exceptions for 
many years the Washington Light Infantry, 
at whose call I speak, has laid'at the feet of 
him whom all delight to honor — of him who 
was peerless among patriots, undaunted by 
darkest disaster, undazzled by most splendid 
success — ready to take the foremost place 
when the foremost place was the post of 
danger — content to resign that lofty estate 
when the emergency which called him forth 
was past; as great as he was good, and as good 
as he was gi-eat. 

Amid the many honored names which have 
shed lustre upon American history, in arts 
and arms, by land and sea, in peace -and war, 
in politics and letters, the name of Washing- 
ton stood long conspicuous, 

"Fair as a star, wlien only one 
Is shining in the sky." 

And even now there is but one who 
shares that place he holds within our 
hearts. That other honored name, also, 
Virginia, the mother of Washington and 
nurse of heroes, has contributed to us 
and to the world. They stand together 
in our hearts, as they stand together upon one 
of her institutions of learning — Washington 
and Lee. Par nohilefrairmn ! Methinks that 
either one might well have filled the other's 
p>lace. Two men, whom neither love of cou- 
rage, nor ambition for military glory, sum- 
moned to the field of strife — but only the 
sense of duty and the love of country. To 



one it was given in the hour of triumph to re- 
strain the excitement of the victors and heal 
the bitterness of strife, and then to step down 
of his own accord from tlie lofty position he had 
occupied only for his country's good. To the 
other's lot it fell on the dark eclipse of failure 
to set the beautiful example of patient sub- 
mission to the inevitable, and to illustrate the 
duty of conquering for one's count) y's sake 
those natural bitternesses which war and defeat 
cannot fail toengenderin the hearts of the van- 
quished. The fame of him who was success- 
ful rests upon a world-wide admiration. All 
nations do him reverence — all tongues con- 
tribute to his praise. The fame of him who 
was unsuccessful is our special trust and our 
exclusive treasure. May we never forget the 
debt of gratitude which we owe to both ! 

But we not only discharge a debt of grati- 
tude when we do public honor to the memory 
of illustrious benefactors — we may also thence 
derive an estimable benefit unto ourselves. The 
influence of such men was not confined to the 
years of their life on earth. They being dead, 
yet speaketh. By the recollection of their 
virtues, by the study of their character, by 
the influence of their example, they yet work 
a good work in us when they wake our admi- 
ration and incite us to an humble emulation. 

•'Lives of great men all remind us. 

We may make our lives sublime, 
And, departing, leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of lime — 
Fooljirints which, perhaps, another 

iSailingo'er life's solemn main. 
Some forlorn and shipwrecked brother. 

Seeing, may take heart again." 

In the character of Washington we 
find the model by which to measure those 
who fill the places which once he filled. 
In his noble simplicity — in his beautiful hu- 
mility — in his invaluable dignity and courtesy 
— in his reverence for law, and constitution, 
and legal authority — in his conscientious per- 
formance of duty — in his perfect freedom 
from partisan spirit — in his careful, scrupu- 
lous administration of public funds — and in 
his national patriotism, we see the perfection 
of those qualities which ought to be found in 
every President and in every public servant; 
while in his benevolence, his industry, his 
hospitality, his public spirit, his domestic 
tastes, and the purity of his personal charac- 
ter, he presents us with an example which 
each man may profitably strive to emulate, 
though it be in the humblest walks of life. 
What station is there in life which may not 
find in him the type of its human perfection ? 
If one be high in rank and station, he may 
learn from Washington the lesson of unaf- 
fected modesty, conscientious fidelity, and 
noble simplicity of life and manner. If one 
be in subordinate position, he may see in 
Washington the type of cheerful co-operation 
and cordial submission to lawful authority. 
If one be unfortunate, he may learn from 
Washington to hope against hope, and to per- 
severe unto the end. If one be prospered^ he 
may learn the harder lesson of moderation 



and self-control. The man of business may 
learn from him the habits of neatness, accu- 
racy, method, punctuality, and unswervins; 
fidelity. In him the gentleman of wealth and 
leisure sees the type of refined and cultivated 
hospitality. Every son may learn from him 
the lesson of filial affection. Every laborer, 
of unflagging industry; every citizen, the 
crowning glory of a self-forgetting and self- 
sacrificing patriotism. Yes, and every Ameri- 
can child is brought to think of Washington 
as the embodiment of that greatest of virtues 
—truth. 

If association then with great and good men 
when living, or the study of their history and 
character when dead, have any tendency to 
elevate and purify character, and to strengthen 
principle — as we know they have — it cannot 
fail to benefit us to recall to mind that such 
as Washington have lived and died. 

U|)on such occasions as the present, one 
obvious duty is to review the history and 
character of him whose birth we celebrate. In 
the life of Washington we shall find a perfect 
living epic. When we have conceived the 
most perfectly successful life that man can 
live below, that conception shall not be more 
successful than was the life of Washington. 
Shakespeare has written : 

"All the world's a stage. 

And all the men and women merely players : 

They have their exits and their entrances; 

And one man in his time plays many parts, 

His acts being seven ages." 

Upon whichsoever one of these seven phases 
we tix our eyes, who more successfully- and 
happily than he has passed it through ? And 
first — the infant : He comes into the world 
the offspring of a family which for centuries 
can trace its line of ancestors, not always re- 
markable for wealth, or rank, or power, but 
always for sturdy vh-tue, and for steadfast 
courage. He inherits from his fathers — if 
there be inheritance in such things — that 
quality, without which the highest i-ank 
is a disgrace, and the largest wealth a curse, 
namely, the priceless treasure of a manly, 
truthful, brave and honest heart. What prouder 
pedigree than a lengthened line of those 
who, sometimes highland sometimes lowly, 
have always done their duty in the sphere ot 
life which they were called upon to till':' As 
one of his historians has said, "Hereditary 
rank may be an illusion, but hereditary virtue 
gives a i)atent of innate nobleness, beyond all 
the blazonry of the Herald's College." But 
whatever difference of opinion there may be 
upon this point, there can be none as to the 
effect produced upon youthful character by 
the example of an upright, conscientious 
father, and the life-long impressions of a ten- 
der, refined, devoted, faithful mother. Such 
was the birthright of him of whom we speak. 
Thus was his little bark auspiciously launched 
for the voyage of life. Whatever the result 
of that voyage might have been, certainly it 
could have no brighter or more hopeful inau- 
guration. 

And then the school-boy. In some respects 



10 



it is tlie most important period in life. School- 
hovs have harder trials to endure, and harder 
(luestions to decide, and harder dilliculties to 
conquer, than ever again in life's varied 
experience ihey will have to meet with. 
Body mind and soul are then plastic 
and ' growing; if there be neglect or 
perversion in any of the three, we pay the 
penalty till death. The bent and twisted sap- 
ling will never make the straight and stately 
tree. The colt mined in the breaking will 
never make the racer nor the useful servant. 
An error in the school-boy period is error for 
a life-time. Washington's school-boy period 
was not idly wasted. Then were acquired 
those habits of industry, application, accuracy, 
neatness and method, which lasted to the end 
of life, and have set their stamp upon every 
work to which he put his hand. They gave 
him "a lawyer's skill in the drafting of docu- 
ments, and a merchant's exactness in the 
keeping of accounts," and have made his 
financial records, whether public or private, to 
be "monuments of his method and unwearied 
accuracy." Opportunity was, indeed, denied to 
him to rear the elegant superstructures of ad- 
vanced mathematics, or classic tongues, or 
literary accomplishments— but the sohd foun- 
dation stones on which all abiding education 
must rest— fidelity, method, accuracy, indus- 
try, love of truth and love of knowledge- 
were then laid deep and sure. 

But body as well as mind is developing in 
early youth. Who would depict his ideal of 
a boy, as pale, diminutive, hollow-eyed, sunk 
in the chest and shrinkine: from association 
with his peers V We think of the perfect boy, 
as full of health and spirits, and energy and 
life He climbs, he swims, he rides, he runs, 
he leaps. His cheeks are ruddy; his hands 
are tough and brown; his shoulders are broad, 
and he' grows as the corn grows after a rain. 
And such was the physical boyhood of Wash- 
ington. His delight is in athletic sports— 
which develop the muscles. He is light of 
foot, like Asahel; he is strong as a youthful 
Samson; he can hurl a slone across ihe Kap- 
pahannock; he rides with fearless confidence 
the wildest steed; his place is by the side of 
the staunch old hunter, Lord Fairfax, as bold 
as he in the saddle, as impetuous in the 

cbase. . -, ^ ^ *i ^ 

And there is a moral side, too. to the de- 
velopment of school-boy life. What more 
can we desire than that one should be like 
Washington, truthful and frank in character, 
affectionate in disposition, a favorite with 
teachers and companions, the leader of their 
sports, the umpire of their disputes, and the 
friend and protector of the helpless. 

Thus auspiciously the second scene of life 
has passed away. Next comes the phase 
of earlv manhood. As boyhood is the season 
of preparation, so this is the time for the 
testing and proving of character. The full- 
fiedged bird must spread his wings and show 
whether he be one to seek the skies, or hop 
from bough to bough and love the earth. 
Manv a promishig youth has prospered to the 



very end of his collegiate course, and then 
began to fail as he encountered the rougher 
waters of a practical life. 

Application and industry are the cardinal 
virtues of boyhood; but resolution. Judgment, 
self-reliance are essential forthe workof man- 
hood. The metal of Washington's character 
is soon brought to the test. No princely for- 
tune was, at this time, his; but the kind ne- 
cessity was laid upon him to make his way in 
life. He makes his debut at the age of six- 
teen years, as the young surveyor of the Shen- 
andoah Valley. It was an undertaking full 
of labor. Trackless forests must be penetra- 
ted; swollen, rushing rivers nmst be crossed; 
by day the heat will parch him, and by night 
the frost. It was anundertakii'g full of peril. 
Wild beasts lurk in the thickeis, and wilder, 
fiercer men roam the forests or dwell in the 
little clearings. The young surveyor will dis- 
turb them as he comes among them, the rep- 
resentative of one who claims the land they 
occupy — some by title immemorial, and some 
by squatter right. As he runshis line, he will 
often hold in his hands the thread of life 
as well as the surve} or's chain. But that sur- 
veying expedition, though he knew it not, 
was the little acorn out of which developed 
the mighty oak of his imperishable fame. It 
won for him the favor of Lord Fairfax — that 
favor lifted him to the post of public sur- 
veyor — that post gave him thorough acquaint- 
ance with Irontier men and places — that ac- 
quaintance procurred him his commission 
when French and Indian hostilities wei'e 
threatening — that commission, and his emi- 
nent services under it, laid the foundation of 
his appointment to be Commander-in-Chief 
of the American Army. 

Behold him next, a soldier. Of his services 
as subordinate, let it suffice to say, that they 
proved his capacity to obey — and that froiii 
the midst of great reverses and disasters, his 
courage and judgment shown out the more 
conspicuous. The defeat of Braddock was 
only a laurel in his wreath — blood stained, it 
is Uue, but a laurel still. 

The outbreak of the Revolution gave him 
for the first time a supreme command. Of 
Washington's career as a general I can speak 
in only general terms. If the greatness of a 
commander is to be measured by the size of 
the armies he commands, or the numbers of 
the slain, or the parade and circumstance of 
war, Washington has little claim to be con- 
sidered one of the great military men of his- 
tory. If brilliancy and rapidity of movement, 
brief and decisive campaigns, pitched and 
sanguinary battles, are essential unto great- 
ness, his claims are slight. But if it begreat 
to achieve success when failure was, humanly 
speaking, certain, to wrest victory out of de- 
feat, and put despair to flight — if greatness is 
to be measured by the overcoming of obsta- 
cles, the counterbalancing of grievous odds — 
by courage, by resolution, by patience, by 
hope in the midst of despair, then the soldier 
phase of Washington's life was as conspicu- 
ously successful fts any other. Nothing sue- 



II 



ceeds like success — and Washington suc- 
ceeded. Without money and without credit, 
without a nav}', without established forts or 
arsenals — sometimes without a day's rations 
for liis army, and that army reduced to less 
than four thousand men — from Bunker Hill to 
hons Island, from Long Island to West Point, 
from West Foint to the Delaware, from the 
Delaware to Valley Forge, from Valley Forge 
to Morristown, and finally to Yorktown, for 
seven years the dubious and unequal conflict 
raged, until on the 17th day of October, 1781, 
he received the sword of Cornwallis, on the 
soil of his Jative Stdte, and the war was 
ended. The independence of America was 
achieved. Were there ever greater odds in 
war than when three thousand militia stood 
opposed to forty thousand war-trained vete- 
rans, at the close of the campaign of 1775 ? 
Was there ever darker despair than when in 
Valley Forge the unshod soldiers marked 
their course with bloody footprints through 
the snow and ice ? He is not the greatest 
general who wields the largest armies, and 
drawing from an inexhaustible reserve, and 
reckless of life, hurls his full battalions 
upon a weaker foe until that foe is crushed; 
but he rather, who with his starving, deci- 
mated, barefoot skeletons of regiments, 
holds a mighty foe at bay for years, 
even though, at last, he surrenders to the in- 
evitable, the emaciated bodies, battered wea- 
pons, and empty haversacks of his command. 
But here was one who, out of such materials, 
evolved success. His was a success not 
made by opportunities and built upon abund- 
ant means, but in spite of every obstacle, and 
in the absence of all the material which has 
made others great. And uext we see comes 
the President upon the scene. The war is 
ended: the army is disbanded; the curtain 
rises on a scene of peace. Who holds the 
helm of State "? It is he who was first in war, 
and is nov/ the first in peace, because he was 
first in the hearts of his countrymen. He has 
laid aside the sword for the pen, the garb of 
war for the apparel of the citizen. It is a 
dangerous, experiment, for the school of war 
does not develop the politician's art or the 
statesman's foresight. Whether Washington 
succeeded as a President, let the history of 
the United States for the eight years of his 
Presidency testify. At its inception what do 
we see ? A debt of eighty millions presses 
down the country, and not a cent is in the 
treasury. The Indians threaten war from 
Canada to Georgia. A foreign power claims 
the navigation of the Mississippi — the treaty 
relations with the Mother country are so un- 
settled that another war seems more than 
])robable— plentiful dissatisfaction exists at 
home — insurrection ready to break out in 
North and South and East and West. It is a 
gloomy outlook. But at its conclusion what 
scene meets our eyes ? Stability in the gov- 
ernment, prosperity through the length and 
breadth of the land, peace abroad, content at 
home, increasing revenues, universal plenty. 
What stronger demonstration can tliere be 



than this result that the helm of State had 
been firmly held, and the Ship of State had 
been wisely steered V It may well be 
doubted whether Washington accomplished 
for, and deserved from his country more, 
when at the head of her armies or when 
seated in her Presidential chair. 

When the curtain falls at the conclusion of 
this fifth scene in the drama of a Great Man's 
Life, it seems to hide from our eyes one who 
is already possessed of all that this world can 
give hnn. Health and vigor possess 
ills frame; immense Avealth fills his cotters: 
his brows are twined with the laurel wreath of 
military glory, and the palm of civic fame. 
A grateful country calls him Father. While 
we wait for that curtain to rise again, we 
might well exclaim "there is nothing more fnr 
him except to die." The curtain lises— and 
lo ! a scene in some respects most wonderful 
of all. From his lofty estate he has turned, 
so soon as duty suffered him, with unfeigned 
joy, and throwing off the burdensome trap- 
pings of place and power, flies to Mount Ver- 
non with something of a school-boy's ardor in 
vacation. There in the labors of his vast es- 
tates — in schemes of agricultural improve- 
ment—in works of public benefit — in benevo- 
lent distribution to the poor — in unceasing in- 
dustry, he reaps the recompense of all his 
labors, and asks for nothing more. 

"Last scene of all, which ends this strange, 
eventful history." The Messenger who comes 
with equal foot to the hovels of the poor and 
the palaces of kings, draws near to him. It 
is the crowning scene. That life oidy is well 
which ends well. Upon the parting scene I 
drop the veil. On such an occasion it would 
not be appropriate to dwell particularly on it. 
Suffice it to say that in the comfort of a rea- 
sonable, religious and holj' hope, supported 
by a sense of Divine acceptance, in perfect 
resignation, and in perfect charity with all the 
world, he falls asleep. 

Such is the rapid and imperfect sketch of 
the life of Washington. I call it a grand and 
living epic ? If this be not a great man, whei-e 
shall we look for a great man of the earth V 
Shall we grant the name to Alexatider, sunk 
at last in debauchery, and weeping for more 
world's to conquer? Shall we grant the title 
to Caesar, dying under the knives of his own 
countrymen in the zenith of his power '? Shall 
we find a great man in the ocean prison of St. 
Helena, where the hero of an hundred bat- 
tle-fields ^^ore out his disappointed soul, as a 
caged bird beats its wings airainst surround- 
ing bars? And shall we refuse to call him 
great who filled with distinguished honor every 
place he occupied — realized all that this 
world has to give — came to his end in his sea- 
son, like a shock of corn fully ripe, and whose 
lot it was 

'The applause of lislening senates to cnmmanj , 
The threats of pain and ruin to despise, 
To scatter plenty o'er a smiling land. 
And read his history in a nation's eyts."' 



12 



"Where shall the wearied eye repose. 

When gazing on the great, 
Where neither guilt)' glory glows, 

Nor despicable state ! 
Yes— One the First, the Last, the Best, 
The Cincinnatns of the West. 
Bequeathed the name of Washington." 

I have detainerl j'ou long; enou2;li, ard it is 
time i should be drawing to a conclusion. 
Let me have your attention a few minutes 
longer. I shall not trespass much more upon 
your patience. 

Gentlemen of the Washington Light Infan- 
try, and citizen -soldiers of South Carolina! 
We ought vividly to realize what Washington 
endured in the seven years war of the Revo- 
lution. We know the meaning of Valley 
Forge. We can see in Memory's mirror scenes 
which illustrate his forced advances, his night 
retreats, his empty commissariat, his stand 
behind hasty entrenchments against over- 
whelming odds, his sudden turus upon the 
pursuer. Some of us, too, have seen soldiers 
gathering berries by the wayside, and the 
grains of corn which the horses had left upon 
the ground. And some of us, too, have wit- 
nessed a scene which Washington never 
passed through — a scene which makes us 
think of Yorktown, to be sorry for Cornwal- 
lis. We can sympathize with brave men who 
are unsuccessful. 

Perhaps there are those elsewhere, if not 
here, who may find it in their hearts to say: 
What part have these in Washington ? What 
portion in the Father of his Country ? What 
right have they to bring their tribute to the 
feet of him whose parting words were warn- 
ings against separation ? To-day we wish to 
stand, as it were, in his august presence, and 
answer as to him asto what we have done in the 
past and expect to do in the future. We 
would make our appeal to him that he should 
judge us. 

Standing in the spirit-presence of Washing- 
ton, shall we be ashamed of that which we 
have done ? Shall we disown the past ? No ! 
We would say to him. who with his com- 
mission in his pocket and his baggage 
on the man-of-war, yet heard his mother's 
voice, and refused to leave her side — like 
you, we too have heard the voice of our 
Mother-State, calling to her sons in her 
hour of need. Like you, we too have listened 
to obey. When she lifted up her banner, we 
stood beneath it. Where she bade us go, we 
went. We have done our duty to her, as well 
as we knew how, with all our hearts. Like 
you, we have kept back nothing from her ser- 
vice. We have poured forth our best blood 
like water. We have exhausted at her call 
the accumulated treasures of an hundred 
years. We have robbed the cradle and the 
grave to fill her ranks. Our land has been 
marred and scarred with blackened ruins, 
from the seaboard to the mountains. What- 
ever the result has been — whatever the out- 
side world may think of the cause, are we 
now to be ashamed of the patience, and the 
courage, and the fortitude, and the heroic 



self-sacrifice of the past ? Shall we ever blush 
to speak of those who have marched by our 
side, and slept by our side, and fought by our 
side, and whose life-blood has been sprinkled 
on our hands? Never! Never! Never! 
Let the cause be what it may, no man who 
knows what love of country is can fail to 
bare his brow, and bow his head, when he 
stands by the graves of those who, at their 
country's call, have suffered all that men can 
suffer, and have died an hundred deaths. To 
be ashamed of them, is to be ashamed of that 
in which we ought to glory. It would only 
demonstrate that we had lost our manhood, 
our sense of gratitude, and our self-respect — a 
thousand times unworthy to be called the 
countrymen of Washington. 

We turn from the past to look into the 
future. The war is ended. The appeal to the 
arbitrament of the sword has been decided. 
Our Mother-State has taken her place in the 
circle that she left, and we perceive that her 
future is linked to the welfare of the entire 
land. The voice which called us to the field, 
now bids us heal the wounds of war. The 
path of patriotic duty is open and plain before 
us — to cast out the animosities which was 
engendered, and to work together for the 
honor, prosperity and welfare of the State and 
nation. Does obedience to that call require 
us to forget, repudiate or disown the past '? 
Nay, it is to walk in the light of the same 
principles which were then our guides. It is 
unswerving fidelity to the great principles of 
patriotism, '■'■Dalce et decorum est pro 2}at>'ia aid 
vivere aid mori.''^ 

The past is the pledge of our sincerity and 
truth. By the battered walls of Sumter, by 
the trampled sands of Moultrie, by the blood 
of Carolina poured out on every battle-field 
from the Potomac to the Mississippi, we may 
be known to be men who mean the things we 
say. If we ever blush for the past, if we ever 
cease to honor the memory of those who suf- 
fered and died in their country's service, and 
in obedience to what they recognized as their 
country's call, then place no confidence in our 
promises, rely not on our allegiance. We 
shall have forfeited our honor, we shall have 
thrown away our self-respect. We stand upon 
our record, and because our record is just 
what it is, and nothing else, therefore there is 
meaning in our words when we gather beneath 
the crimson folds of the Eutaw banner, 
illumined by the Stars and Stripes, and shout: 

"Unfurl the glorious banner, 

Which at Eutaw shone so bright, 
An^, like a dazzling meteor, swept 

Through tie Cowpens dead'y tight. 
Sound, sound your lively bugle-J, 

Let them pour their loudest blast, 
While we pledge both life and honor 

To stand by it to the last. 

Capt. Courtenay then announced that Gen. 
Lee would be introduced to the audience by 
Governor Wade Hampton. [Tremendous 
cheering, the audience rising and waving 
handkerchiefs and caps in the air. J 



i'3 



Governor Hampton said that it had been 
made his duty, in behalf of the ladies, to in- 
troduce to the audience the distinguished 
citizen who was to present their flae;. He 
need not to say how asrreeable that duty was. 
It was especially so, because it gave him an 
opportunity, in the name of the Washington 
Lignt Infantry, in the name of the women of 
Chai-leston, and in the name of the men 
of Charleston — and not only in their names, 
but in the names of the people throughout 
the length and breadth of South Carolina — 
to bid him thrice welcome to their hearts and 
homes. No audience could be found in 
South Carolina that would require an introduc- 
tion of him. The name he bore vvas a pass- 
word to their veneration and love, foi that 
name was Lee. [Cheers] It seemed espe- 
cially appropriate that he should have been 
selected to present this Memorial Flag. In the 
(lays of him whose memory they were then 
honoring, when Marion and Pickens fought 
together, there came a young cavalier from 
Virginia to ride with the Carolina heroes, and 
his name had been handed down in history as 
Lighthorse Harry Lee. [Cheers.] And in 
later days, when the great heart of the 
South quivered in the agony of the death 
struggle, all eyes were turned to one man, 
and all minds looked to him for help in their 
bitter need. That man was Robert E. Lee, 
whose son stood before them. [Long con- 
tinued cheering.] He presented him then to 
the audience as a descendant of Light Horse 
Harry Lee and a son of Robert E. Le", who 
was not unworthy of their great name and 
glorious fame. [Round after round of 
cheers.] 

Gen. Lee came forward, accompanied by 
Surgeon T. Grange Simons of the staff of the 
First Regiment of Rifles, who represented the 
ladies, and delivered the Memorial Flag into 
Gen. Lee's hands, who, expressing the pleasure 
he felt at being introduced "by Governor 
Hampton, who, he said, was as much be- 
loved and admired in Virginia as in Carolina, 
spoke as follows: 

Ladies and Gentlemen: The occasion which 
draws us together here to-night is one of un 
usual interest, for we do honor to the heroes 
of two revolutions — one crowned with victory, 
the other with defeat. Yet who can say that 
the Lost Cause v/as not equally as glorions as 
the one upon which success was enthroned. 

Ah, me ! as I glance around this assemblage 
to-night, and see many friends of the camp 
and bivouac, I feel mingled sentiments of 
sorrow and joy. When I grasp the hands of 
comrades which have been stained with the 
grime of battle, I feel a throb of pleasure 
which no other occasion has ever been able to 
excite within my bosom. And yet I would 
not, if I could, shut out from my heart that 
shadow of sadness which comes athwart it 
when I think of our glorious dead ! Their 
graves lie upon the fair bosom of our sunny 
land, alone and congregated together. Who 
can look upon these sacred mounds, which 
annually receive the tribute of woman's loving 



care, without nerving himself anew to the 
determination to cling forever to their memo- 
lies and the sacrifices they made for the cau.'^e 
of liberty, as they conceived and illustra- 
ted it? 

When reflecting thus who can believe that 
these died in vain ! In commemorating the 
deeds of the heroes of '76, we must not forget, 
ray friends, the valor of those who for long 
and wearying years conducted a defensive 
warfare unparalleled in history until over- 
whelmed by superior numbers and resources, 
and who only furled their banners when 
further resistance ceased to be possible. 
Ours was a lesson often taught in the world's 
history. Riofht may succumb to might, but 
this need not work dishonor. (Jur lands were 
laid waste, our houses were burned, and our 
sufferings were great; and yet, moved by the 
ennobling ambition to preserve our honor 
untarnished, we live to-day in the good esteem 
of all fair-minded people, and our deeds 
will descend in history and burn to our imper- 
ishable ciedit on its pages. If the fame of 
the ancient heroes has come down to our day 
undimmed by ages, so will our fame go to 
the future. Go to Marathon ! It is a desert. 
Shepherds drive their flocks over its historic 
plains, where once was heard the clash of 
arms and the shouts of victory. No memorial 
remains to commemorate the deeds, but the 
mind reverts to the past, and the soul warms 
when the fame of Miltiades is recalled. See 
Sparta ! Tourists contend as to where was 
the Eratus, where the famous field, its pala- 
ces, temples andtomlis, not a vestige of which 
remains; but the virtues of the heroes remain, 
which defy the ravages of time. And who 
can view the bleak and barren hills of La- 
conia; who Thermopylae, thy rugged pass, 
which only sent back one mesenger of 
death, and not do homage to the olden oast; 
when victorious Greece loved freedom,' and 
freedom gloried in Leonidas. Over the ruins 
of Carthage the Moor now wanders indolent 
and wretched, yet it was Carthage which pro- 
duced a Hannibal to thunder at the gates of 
Rome. It was Carthage that ruled the Em 
pire of the Sea and extended the commerce of 
the world. Yet when we contemplate its rise, 
progress and decay, we remember Zama and 
the age of the Scipios. And Rome, once 
mistress of the world, the seat of arts, of arms 
and of the brightest honor too, we can but 
exclaim indeed, "How are the mighty fallen!" 
As we survey its gray ruins, and behold the 
remains of the Colliseum, the Forum and the 
Capitol, we think of the time when assembled 
thousands listened to the soul-breathing elo- 
quence of Tulley until we fancy that those 
mouldering walls respond to the magic of his 
tongue. How pleasant to dwell upon the 
virtues of Cato, disdaining to survive the 
liberties of his country. Then upon Cassius, 
glorying in being the last of the Romans ! 
Ages have passed since these great exem- 
plars lived, but their virtues survive. If we 
would have this great republic live for ages, 
the repository of genius, art, energy and en- 



u 



terprise, we must take wisdom from the past, 
and avoid all those influences which destroyed 
^rand empires and men who emblazoned 
tiieir escutchens with heroic deeds. J^et not 
our common country be impaired by luxury, 
effeminacy, or it will sink inf.o decay. Rather 
let us rise to a higher appreciation of citizen- 
shij), always remembering those who gave 
us this broad domain, and the spirit which 
inspired the heroes, whom we honor to-day, 
whose memories will always flourish with us 
in immortal youth, unhurt by the wreck of 
Empires, or fall of States ! 

I well remember in the rush of Southern 
men to the lines of the Potomac that the sons 
of the Palmetto State proved themselves 
worthy of their gallant sires. The sentiment 
which inspired them was, that as they had 
been foremost in bringing on the war they 
desired to be in the forefront of battle; and 
they made good with their lives the senti- 
ment and the promises they had given to the 
cause. Their bones lie on every field, and 
they have left in almost every glen and on 
almost every hill of Old Virginia their humble 
mounds, which speak more eloquently than 
a memorial of stone or brass. On every side 
to-day I catch a friendly glance and feel the 
jiressure of a warm hand, which tills my heart 
with joy. Bound together not only by a 
proud and glorious history, but by the indis- 
soluble ties of a woman's sympathy, Vir- 
ginia and Carolina will honor and cherish 
each other as the successive generations rise 
and pass away. The children of these 
Commonwealths \^ill always feel as 
brothers, and work and act together. And 
now, my young comrades, for such I niunt 
call you, I have a duty to perform, involving 
more pleasure than 1 can adequately express, 
for I obey the mandate of fair ones, whose 
love and smypathy softened and sweetened 
war's rough way, and always bade us hope. 
That duty is to present you with this beauti- 
ful flag, prepared bj' their own hands in 
honor of the dead of the first and second Rev- 
olutions. You will remember that the Latins 
said that "Wherever they beheld the images 
of their ancestors t'jey felt their minds vehe- 
mently exercised to virtue." It could not be 
the wax or the marble which possessed this 
power, but the recollection of their great 
actions which kindled a flame in their breasts 
n(,t to be quenched until they, by virtue, had 
acquired equal fame and glory. 

So be it with you, and when you look upon 
these folds strive to emulate the deeds of those 
whose achievements in peace and war it 
records and transmits to posterity, reflect 
upon the victories and heroic deeds of our 
ancestors, who risked all for what they 
thought right, and dispel from your minds 
the modern idea that success justifies the 
means or ennobles a cause. Such an idea 
is demoralizing to a people who struck for 
what they believed right, and diedfor it. 

Comrades, in presenting to you this beauti- 
ful flag, I do so with sentiments suggested 
by- the name and fame of Washington, and 



the burning wish that you will cherish it as 
the symbol of virtue and honor. May you 
bear it, if needs be, as its precursor was 
borne, in the thickest of the fight, and regard 
it in times of peace as a sacred and holy talis- 
man. If ever pressed by adversity or tempted 
to forsake your principles or forget the record 
of your glorious past, do as did the followers 
of Bruce, with his heart — look upon it, recall 
the past, and then, with manly resolve, say : 
"Pass on — I will follow thee or die !" 

Such was Gen. Lee's speeeh on presenting 
the flag. It is imperfectly reported, it being 
impossible to catch many eloquent passages 
amid the enthusiasm and applause which per- 
vaded the scene of its delivery. 

Capt. Courteuay said that a private A. B. 
Capers, of the Washington Light Infantry, 
had been selected to receive the flag in behalf 
of the corps. Amid much applause, which 
was frequently repeated during the course of 
his remarks, private Capers advanced from 
the ranks and spoke as follows : 

General: The Washington Light Infantry 
receive their banner with delight. We have 
heard with pi'ide your eloquent tribute to the 
military services of our corps iii other days, 
and would thank you for it rightly, if we 
could. To be praised by a man himself com- 
mended beyond our praise, ''tain Marte qnaiii. 
Minerva pnvdaro.'''' this indeed is praise. 

Ladies of the W^ashington Light Infantry, 
we tender you the homage of grateful hearts 
for this priceless mark of your "favor and con- 
fidence — the gilt of beauty — and the hand of 
valor presented it. 

Men survive and are here — who, more than 
fifty years ago, rec* ived in sacred guardian- 
ship the flag of a Washington, scarred wiih 
mementoes of many fields. That flag was 
presented by a daughter of Carolina. To- 
night we receive from the hand of a Virginian, 
not less heroic than the hero of Cowpens and 
Eutaw, not less the defender and protector of 
his people, a spotless banner, given by the 
daughters of Carolina. We hail the omen, 
and accept the obligation it conveys. Hearted 
with hope we will place our flag of the future 
by the side of that treasured guidon of the 
past. In such companionship, surrounded by 
chaplets from later fields, it shall sj mbolize per- 
petually this memorable occasion — memorable 
to you, Veterans of the Washington Light In- 
fantry ! who have seen these gallant leaders, 
whose presence to-night does so much honor, 
when their swords led the van of victory or 
followed late in defeat; memorable to all of 
us as the first unfettered anniversary in thir- 
teen years; celebrated not by disfranchised 
citizens in the quasi secret sesssion of a dis- 
banded club, but by volunteers organized and 
equipped according to ancient law and usage, 
celebiated in the free air of a redeemed 
State, her authority maintained, her counsels 
guided, her people represented by her own 
sons, and her power supported by the strong 
aiiu of that "noblest Roman of them all," who 
made his way to her side through the myrmi- 
dons of despotic power that beset her, and 



15 



liftins^ her banner from the dust of infamy in 
which they had trailed it, planted it ouce 
more on the dome of her Capitol. 

•'And thro' the ceuturies let a people's voice 

la full acclaim, 

A people's voice 

The proof and echo of all human fame, 

A people's voice when they rejoice 

At civic revel and pomp and game. 

Attest thy great commander's claim." 

Welcome the hour which a,-athers around him 
these iron-crowned Paladins, a.s if to illustrate 
in living characters the soul of Washington. 
Thrice weli^ome the banner tliat comes to us 
on such a day, in a presence so august, from a 
hand so honored and from hearts so true. We 
will bear it on, it may be, to the future of the 
great Georgian's hopes, to whom God gave 
that ''one hour more" denied to the great 
Carolinian. Into its misty morning we will 
bear the records which true, loyal, devoted 
woman has embroidered here, with hearts 
alive to all the prestige of the glorious past, 
and keenly sensitive to the thrilling inspira- 
tions of the present. 

Capt. Courtenay then aimounced that the 
exercises would conclude with the benedic- 
tion by the Rev. A. Toomer Purler. The 
crowd then moved tlowly out, many of its 



components passing around the stage to ob- 
tain a near view of the beautiful flag which 
was displayed by a member of the company. 
Among the audience were the pupils of the 
Holy Communion Church Institute, who 
marched in in a body, attracting much atten- 
tion by their handsome appearance and 
perfect drill. 

W. li. I. Reunion. 

The Washington Light Infantry had a re- 
union at iheir hall at 9 P. M., which was 
largely attended by the members. The even- 
ing was very pleasantly spent in recalling 
reminiscences and interchanging sentiment. 
In the course of the evening several de- 
lightful glees were sung by an impromptu 
choir. The members separated after midnight, 
impressed with pleasant recollections of the 
event. 

A delicate compliment was Daid by several 
ladies of the Washington Light Infantry in 
the decoration of the three large gothic chairs 
in the armory; on the summit of each the 
names of Hampton, Lee, Trimble, were woven 
in violets, and the chairs were then removed 
to Military Hall, and occupied by these dis- 
tinguished soldier guests at the oration and 
flag presentation. 



THE .NEW AlLMOliV OF THE WASHINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY-A HAND- 
SOME ACCOUNT OF A NOTABLE IMPROVEMENT. 

[From The News and. Courier, March 2, 1878.] 



The new Armory of the Washington Lieht | 
Infantry is attracting attention outside of the | 
State. In the last issue of Frank Leslie's Illus- | 
trated Magazine there is an exterior view of 
the Masonic Temple, and an interior view of 
the W. L. I. headquarters, with the following 
editorial comment: 

In the selection for a rendezvous for a mili- 
tarv corps two objects are usually considered, 
a location convenient for the members, and 
useful in a military point of view. If it was 
intended to fix the point nearest the centre of 
the City of Charleston, the lines from 
north to south and from east to west 
would intersect near the headquarters 
of the Fourth Brigade— the stately Mili- 
tary Hall on Wentwoith street, with its grand 
drill-room 80x100 feet, and its suites of 
rooms for the convenience of the city com- 
panies. One door west of this building is the 
Masonic Temple, at the corner of King and 
Wentworth streets. A recent change in the inte- 
rior arrangements of this building afforded an 
opportunity, which has been accepted by this 
historic corps, to secure a permanent home, 
combining all the advantages of convenience 
in location, desirableness in appointments, 
and with unexceptionable surroundings. The 
new headquarters are on King street, the 
favorite promenade of the ladies of Charles- 
ton. The armory is located on the second 
floor of the Masonic Temple, and consists of a 
drawing-room and ordinary. Ascending from 
the street, the eye is arrested in the upper cor- 
ridor by an elaborate plate-glass panel over a 
wide portal, on which, in crystal letters, is dis- 
played — 

"WASHiNciTON Light lNFA>fTRY, 1807." 
Entrance is had to an elegantly apiioiuted 
apartment, 20 by 44, with a lieight of I83.2 
feet. Four large windows on Wentworth 
street throw a flood of soft light into the 



room, the walls and ceiling of which are fin- 
ished in hard wood of a beautiful cream color. 
The ceiling is panelled with deep mouldings, 
tinted in carmine, orange and brown, present- 
ing a rich effect. On the south wall is a rifle- 
stand, 18 feet long and 12 feet high, of wal- 
nut, with plate-glass doors and elaborate cor- 
nices and ornamentation, in which are stacked 
120 Springfield breech-loaders. In the cup- 
board below are kept the fatigue suits, equip- 
ments, ordnance and quartermaster's stores. 
The chairs, sofas and tables are all in walnut, 
the floor is stained of the same color, and the 
impression left on a visitor is that of a chaste, 
simple and complete military headquarters. 
Passing through a large folding-door, the vis- 
itor finds himself in a carpeted drawing-room, 
20 by 22, with stately chairs in crimson rep 
furnishings, escretoire, tables, &c., in rich 
walnut. A portrait of Washington, presented 
by citizens of France, and of woven silk, is 
displayed to good advantage, while on either 
side are portraits of Gen. R. E. Lee and Gov- 
ernor Wade Hampton. On the walls are like- 
nesses also of ex-commanders, chaplains and 
orators connected with the corps. 

These complete saloons were presented by 
the senior members to the young men of this 
active company on the 5th December last, in 
the presence of a large membership. Among 
the invited guests were Gen. Siegling and staff. 
Fourth Brigade South Carolina Volunteers; 
Gen. Rutledge and staff. First Mounted Brig- 
ade South Carolina Volunteers; Gen. Hunt and 
staff. United States Army; the Most Worship- 
ful Grand Master DeSaussure and the officers 
of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. This 
command is known to tne whole country for 
its eftpnt da corps, having visited Bunker Hill 
in 1875, and was the color company in tlie 
I parade of the Centennial Legion at Philadel- 
phia on the Fourth of July, 1876 — a corps 
j representing the ''Old Thirteen." Its friends 
I throughout the Union will be glad to hear of 
; its continued prosperity. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Lee. 

{From The News and Conner.^ 

The cor''espondence published below speaks 
for itself. In inviting Gen. W. H. F. Lee to 
Charleston at this time the Washington Light 
Infantry have but expressed, in a singularly 
appropriate and felicitous way, the universal 
sense of our people. It will add even greater 
enthusiasm to the occasion to have his pres- 
ence as one of the illustrious gathering who 
will make the coming anniversary a most 
memorable one for our city. Gen. Lee, both 
for himself and the memories that cluster 
around his name, will be the honored guest, 
not only of the Washington Light Infantry, 
but of the City and State — a guest whom our 
people will deem it high privilege to welcome, 
and rejoice to greet on the soil of Carolina. 
The arrangements for the reception and en- 
tertainment of so distinguished a visitor may 
well be left to that Company who, from the 
time of its reception of Lafayette down to its 
recent welcome to the tirst Governor of Caro- 
lina in our new era, has always done the 
honors of such occasions most acceptably to 
the community: 

Charleston, January 8, 1878. 
To Gen. Wm. If. F. Lee, Michmond, Va. : 

General — I have the honor to enclose to 
you a letter from the lady friends of the 
Washington Light Infantry, soliciting your 
presence iu Charleston on the 23d February, 
1878, and your friendly co-operation in their 
flag presentation. I am authorized. General, 
to announce to you that his Excellency (iov- 
ernor Wade Hampton, our most illustrious 
member, will be with our command on Wash- 
ington's Birthday to welcome you to South 
Carolina. 

Let me add. General, that your visit to 
Charleston on our coming anniversary will be 
most highly appreciated by our command, 
and be as well a gratification to the entire 
community, recalling the joys and sorrows of 
the men and women of Virginia and South 
Carolina, mutually shared, through more than 
a century of time. 

This command will esteem it a privilege to 
entertain you as their guest on the coming 
anniversary. 

With sentiments of the highest esteem and 
regard, I am. General, your most obedient ser- 
vant, Wm. a. Courtenay, Captain. 
Charleston, S. C, January 8, 1878. 
To Gen. Vi'm. H. F. Lee, Richmond, Va : 

General — The ladies closely associated 
with the Washington Light Infantry have 
made for the corps a flag that commemorates 



its history in peace and in war — a symbol 
of memories dear to them as the lite and 
honor of the company — from the day of its 
founding, by William Lowndes, through the 
long years of civic renown and the dark days 
of desolating war. Among its sacred memo- 
ries this flag would recall and perpetuate the 
valor and devotion of the one hundred and 
thirteen dead — "Fariter pietate vel armis in- 
signis" — whom the company — one in peace 
and three in war— gave the State and the 
South in a cause where a brave people in 
honest conviction shed their best blood fcr 
their thought and feeling. 

Many of those dead fell fighting on the 
fields of Virginia, and for many of them her 
bosom is a last resting place. 

Those long years of battling sojourned on 
your soil, the sacred bond that those graves 
are, linking our hearts to your people, the 
unity of heart and purpose of Virginia and 
Carolina in the past and in the present, make 
us turn instinctively to a son of Virginia to do 
us the kind office of presenting our flag. And 
as in the hour of the sorest need we would 
have gone to the great chieftain and hero, 
your father, so in time of our rejoicing, in his 
name and in memory of the past, we gladly 
come to you and ask you to do us the honor 
of presenting to our loved corps this banner, 
which we have endeavored to make a treasure- 
house of memory. 

We have chosen as the day of presentation 
the 23d of February, the natal day of him 
whose mind and heart — the common blessing 
of the modern world — we invoke as the inspi- 
ration of the future life of the Washintgon 
Light Infantry of Charleston. 

(Signed by a number of lady friends of the 
corps.) 

Richmond, Va., January 17, 1878. 
Capt. W. A. Courtenay, Washington Light Ln- 
fantry, Charleston, S. C: 

Captain — Your letter of the 8th instant, 
with enclosure from the lady friends of the 
Washington Light Infantry, was duly received 
through the courtesy of Gen. T. M. Logan. 
I have expressed to the ladies my acceptance 
of their invitation in a letter which I enclose 
to you, and shall feel obliged if you will pres- 
ent it to them. It will be very pleasing to me 
to accept the invitation of the company which 
you command, and to be their guest during 
my stay in Charleston on their approaching 
anniversary, and I shall most cheerfully place 
myself at your disposal on that occasion. 

Flease present to each member of your com- 
pany my most cordial thanks for the compli- 



i; 



ment conveyed by their Invitation, and allow 
me to subscribe myself, 

Your most obedient servant, VV. H. F. Lee. 
Richmond, Va., January 18, 1878. 
To the Lady Frietids of the WanhiiKjlon Light 
Iitfantrxj, Charleston, S. C: 

Ladies — 1 have the pleasure and honor to 
acknowledge your very flattering invitation 
to be present with you in your contemplated 
ceremonies on the 23d of February, and pre- 
sent, on your behalf, a flag prepared by your 
hands in remembrance of the heroes of 1776 
and 1861 to the company which bears the 
name of him who illustrated in his character 
the motto inscribed upon j'our banner. In 
accepting your invitation, please be assured 
of my graceful appreciation of the kind sen- 
timents expressed therein for one whose 
highest ambition was to serve his country in 
her time of need, and whose heart in the 
days of her humiliation and sorrow had no 
throb not in sympathy with his suffering 
countrymen. 

I shall look forward with great pleasure to 
ray visit to your battle-scarred city, being cer- 
tain of a hearty welcome, as among your citi- 
zens I shall meet many comrades, who fol- 
lowed Jackson and rode with Hampton in the 
memorable campaigns in Virginia. 

With sentiments of highest esteem, I remain 
your most obedient servant, 

W. H. F. Lee. 
Governor Hampton. 

The following is the letter of invitation to 
visit Charleston on the S2d February, ad- 
dressed by the Washington Light Infantry to 
Governor Hampton : 

Washington Light Infantry Armory, ) 
Charleston, February 14, 1878. f 
To his Efcelkxrij Wade Jfanipton, Governor of 
South Carolina, ('olii)nbia, S. C. : 

Governor— The Washington Light Infan- 
try will celebrate, as usual, the Birthday of 
Washington. We remember, with heartfelt 
gratitude and delight, your presence among 
us last year, at the close of that period so 
fraught with danger to the State, and from 
which, in the Providence of God, we had just 
been vouchsafed a glad deliverance. We recall 
the inspiration of your words and the good 
cheer and moral sti'eugth your visit gave our 
people. 

We rejoice that through those high instru- 
mentalities of your wisdom, your supreme 
patience and devotion to Carolina, there has 
been wrought ©ut a still further redemption 
in the counsels of her leadership. That the 
same spirit of wisdom and moderation, justice 
and liberality, which made your struggle for 
the State a great moral triumph in this land, 
in this same spirit you have maintained and 
are now maintaining those broad and great 
principles enunciated as the basis of your 
labor for new Carolina, and on which alone as 
a foundation we believe her future welfare 
rests. 

With these memories of the recent past and 
in the.full sunlight of a new era, rejoicing the 



heart and inspiring: the mind with its beneficent 
rays, shedding the warmth of life and the 
light of hope, we gladly come to you and ask 
you to do us the honor of being with us on 
ihe birthday of Washington. 

We beg to inform you that on that day, at 
5)4 P. M., the Washington Light Infantry 
will extend a reception to "Hampton and 
Lee," at the Armory, where you will meet 
your fellow-countrymen, companions and 
compatriots in war and in peace, and where, 
in the name of Carolina, for whom we shall 
ask you to respond on that occasion, we bee 
that you speak to the young men who cluster 
fondly about the knees of our Old Mother, 
and who will always listen eagerly to catch 
the words of him who once again, in this her 
civic story, has made the path of duty the 
pathway of her glory. 

You will also meet, and we beg that you in- 
troduce to our fellow-citizens, Gen. W. H. F. 
Lee, of Virginia, the distinguished son of the 
great hero and chieftain, the honored guest of 
the Washington Light Infantry, and a most 
welcome guest of Carolina, who has kindly 
consented to be present on that day and pre- 
sent a flag — a symbol of the company's mar- 
tial and civic life and a storehouse of its mem- 
ories — to the corps on behalf of the ladies. 

Trusting that you will be able to accede to 
the wishes of those who will await most en- 
thusiastically your coming and gladly greet 
you once more in our midst. 

In behalf of the company we are. Governor, 
your very obedient servants, 

W. A. Courtenay, Capt. 
Geo. D. Bryan, First Lieut. 
Alex. W. Marshall, Sec. Lieut. 
W. Lucas Simons, Third Lieut. 
Geo. B. Edwards, Lt. and Q'rm'r. 

The following letter in reply was received 
from Governor Hampton : 

Executive Chamber, ) 
Columbia, February 19, 1878. \ 

My Dear Sir — The kind and flattering invi- 
tation extended to me by my friends of the 
Washington Light Infantry has been received, 
and 1 accept it with great pleasure. I beg you 
to convey to the company my appreciation of 
their action in this matter, and of the compli- 
mentary terms in which they have been 
pleased to notify me of the honor done me. 

With my earnest good wishes for the pros- 
perity of your time-honored company, I am, 
very truly, yours. Wade Hampton. 

Capt. Wm. A. Courtenay, W. L. I. 

A Relic from Fort Sumter. 

The following correspondence will be read 
with interest by brave men everywhere. It 
covers a gift to the Washington Light Infan- 
try of one of the two flags in use during the 
seven months of Maj. Huguenin's command 
of the gate to Charleston. 

Charleston, S. C, February 19, 1878. 
To Capt. Wm. A. Courtenay, the Officers and 
Members of the Washington Ligfit Lifantry: 

Gentlemen — I send you by our mutual 



19 



friend, Mr. Tovey, a relic of the late civil war, 
which is priceless in value for Its historic as- 
sociations. It is the last flag that waved over 
tbe ruins of Fort Sumter, and was removed 
from the staff thirteen years ago to-day, when 
the evacuation of Charleston necessitated the 
abandonment of Fort Sumter. 

This flag, and another like it, braved the 
battle and the breeze during the seven months 
when Maj. T. A. Huguenin commanded the 
fort, and was torn, as you now see it, in the 
terrific sixty day and night bombardment, the 
severest and most continuous attack ever 
made upoa a single garrison during the late 
war between the States, and is sanctified by 
the life-blood of many brave spirits. 

For gallantry and devotion in Fort Sumter, 
Maj. Huguenin gave this flag at the close of 
the war to Lieut. Thomas P. Mikell, first lieu- 
tenant South Carolina Regular Infantry, by 
whom it was given to me. Since that gloomy 
nisht in 1865, thirteen years ago. South Car- 
olina has emerged into a new life. The issues 
which this battle-scarred flag once represented 
have now been finally settled, and the time 
has come when North and South can look 
upon this piece of faded bunting with tender 
memories and without bitterness of feeling. 

It has been my intention for many years to 
place this relic in the custody of the Washing- 
ton Light Infantry, partly for the reason that 
my military service was in its ranks, but 
chiefly because of their costly sacrifices in 
Fort Sumter during its bombardment. It was 
the fortune of Companies A and B, 25th S. C. 
v., to serve several times in the garrison of 
Sumter, a duty so severe as to necessitate fre- 
quent reliefs. On one occasion these com- 
mands stood at their post of duty for six con- 
secutive weeks, and the explosion of a single 
shell killed eleven members of Capt. Carson's 
company, 25th S. C. V. With this feeling I 
wish to commit to the care of those who 
stood in Sumter during days of peril, and 
their successors, this tattered flag in apprecia- 
tion of the honorable record of the W. L. I. in 
peace and war, and with the certainty that it 
will be preserved to posterity, a constant re- 
minder to those who come after of the self- 
sacrificing devotion of their predecessors of 
1861-65. 

With the assurance of my deep interest in 
all that relates to the honor and welfare of 
my old corps, I am yours very truly, 

W. George Gibbs. 

Mount Pleasant, S. C.,Feb. 19, 1878. 
Capt. W. A. Courtenay : 

Dear Captain — It gives me great pleasure 
to confirm the historical account of the flag 
presented to the W. L. I. by Mr. W. George 
Gibbs. 

When the orders were received in February, 
1865, to prepare for the evacuation of Fort 
Sumter, they were of such a nature that be- 
sides what was especially ordered to be left in 
the Fort it would be absolutely necessary for 
the majority of the officers' baggage, with 
extra garrison supplies, to be destroyed, un- 



less some private means could be obtained for 
their removal. This was impossible, except 
to a very limited extent. I was desirous to 
secure my private effects, and therefore sent 
my servant off the night before the evacuation 
with my extra clothing, watch, &c. Not 
knowing what would be the chances of war, 
and appreciating the value of the flags which 
had floated over our ramparts, I determined to 
send them with my private baggage to Sumter, 
S. C, as inthisprivate way I rightly conceived 
they would run less risk. Accordingly the 
day preceding by one the night of the evacua- 
tion I cut off the two tattered battle flags 
that had triumphantly waved from their 
staffs, and packing them with my clothing 
sent them to Sumter, S. C, to Mrs. Mikell, 
the wife of Lt. Thos. P. Mikell, 1st S. C. 
Regular Infantry, who had for six months 
served gallantly in the Fort in various 
capacities. Next morning I mounted a new 
battle flag, which was hauled down at sunset 
without having a shot fired at it. That night 
we evacuated the Fort, and as soon as I joined 
my brigade at Strawberry Ferry I turned the 
flag over to the brigade commander. What 
ever became of it is a matter of no historical 
consequence, as it waved over the Fort but a 
single day, was never fired upon, and no drop 
of blood was spilt to consecrate its folds. 

When the war was over I received a letter 
from Lieut. Mikell, before mentioned, in- 
forming me that Mrs. Mikell had carefully 
guarded the two flags, and that they were at 
my disposal. In appreciation of Mrs. Mikell's 
care and attention and the gallantry of her 
husband, Lieut. Mikell, while under my com- 
mand, I wrote to him to send me one of the 
flags and to keep one for himself. The flag 
sent to me is now in the care of the Sumter 
Guards. The flag in possession of the W. L. 
I. is its mate. 

These two flags were used at Fort Sumter 
during my entire command of seven months, 
during which occurred the sixty day and 
night bombardment — the longest the fort was 
ever subjected to — and are sanctified not only 
by the roar of battle, but by the life-blood of 
many noble and gallant soldiers. Very re- 
spectfully, your obedient servant, 

T. A. Huguenin. 

A meeting of this corps was held at their 
armory on 5th March, Capt. Wm. A. Courte- 
nay presiding. After disposing of consider- 
able company business, the following preamble 
and resolutions were then offered by Corpl. 
J. Ancrum Simmons: 

The Washington Light Infantry have been 
greatly honored by being made the custodi- 
ans of the battle-flag which waved over Fort 
Sumter during the last days of its heroic de- 
fence. The eloquent and touching letter of 
Mr. W. George Gibbs, covering the gift of 
this battle-scarred and tattered relic, recalls 
memories which are softened by time, but 
which can never be forgotten; memories too 
sacred for utterance, best expressed in silence, 
for who will attempt to describe the fortitude, 



LIBRRRY OF CUNUKt:>:> 

nil mil Hill Hill iiPi I'll! mm '~ " 



20 



the endurance and the sacrifice, on that 
bare acre of stony soil at the entrance of our 
harbor? A recent writer, describing a visit to 
the site of the ancient Mission of the Alamo 
on our Southwestern border, tells of represen- 
tatives of both the late contestants in its 
tragic story, standing with uncovered 
heads, while they read on the shaft 
erected to its heroic defenders the 
legend whose eloquence causes the 
heart to pause in its pulsations. 
"Thermopylii? had its messenger of defeat, the 
Alamo had none," so too of Sumter; after the 
bitterness of feeling, and the animosities of 
the civil war shall have passed away, the men 
of the North and the South, standing on this 
water-bound fortress, can with uncovered 
heads pay the homage of generous hearts to 
the brave men who, in the discharge of their 
duty, "held the fort" to the end. Its heroic his- 
tory, like that of Thermopyhe and the Alamo, 
will survive through generations yet unborn; 
and this Hag, which we now receive, with a 
full sense of the obligations which follows its 
possession, will symbolize to those who come 
after us the highest type of the martial vir- 
tues. It may be, in the future life of the 
Republic, that Sumter may again be the scene 
of conflict, when the men of the North and 
the South, of the East and the West, will com- 
pose its garrison, with responsibilities as mo- 
mentous as those borne by the men of 1861-65. 
In such an emergency the past record of Sumter 
which this flag typifies will be the standard 
of their duty; for what American soldier in the 
future would dare do less on this historic site 
than those of the past, and thus this historic 
standard which has braved the battle and the 
breeze, the symbol of a duty faithfully dis- 
charged, of an honor unblemished in the 
sorest need, will be the inspiration and im- 
pulse to other heroic actions. In this spirit 
■we accept this relic, and will transmit it with 
affectionate care to posterity. Be it there- 
fore 

Resolved, That the Washington Light Infan- 
try accept with reverent hands and hearts the 
flag of Fort Sumter. That they tender to the 
donor, W. George Gibbs, Esq., their sincere 
acknowledgments for the honor done them 
by placing this flag in their custody, and that 
he be elected an honorary member of the 
corps. 

Hesoh'cd, That Maj. T. A. Huguenin, who so 
gallantly defended Fort Sumter as Comman- 
der under this banner, be also elected an 
honorary member of the corps. 

The Flag of tlie Palmetto Kegiment, S. C. 
v., carried in tlie Mexican AVar, 1846-47. 

The following letter was then read: 
Charleston, S. C, February 22d, 1878. 
Capt. Wni. A. Courienay, Was/miglon Lkjlit 
Infantry : 
Dear Captain — Appreciating the interest 
that you and the members of yonr corps take 
in the collection of mementoes of the past, for 
their careful preservation, and having one in 
my possession which came to me through a 



011 711 577 ft ' 

member of your corps, and which, though but 
a fragment in itself, I know you will value 
for the associations connected with it, I have 
determined to commit it to your keeping. 
It is a fragment of the Regimental Flag of the 
Palmetto Regiment, which was carried by 
that Regiment in every engagement in which 
they participated in the war with Mexico ; 
and which I am proud to know, was the first 
fiag of any Regiment, either volunteers or reg- 
ulars, which floated within the city of Mexico, 
and which was the last to leave it. 

I prize it highly, and only part with it to 
commit it to the safe keeping of your corps; 
at the same time wishing them as bright a 
future as their past has been honorable. 
I am, very respectfully, 

Lewis F. Robertson, 
Late 2d Lieut. Co. F., Palmetto Reg't, S.C. V. 

Lieut. Alex. W. Marshall submitted the fol- 
lowing preamble and resolutions: 

The Washington Light Infantry desires to 
place on record their sense of obligation to 
Ex-Lieut. Lewis F. Robertson, Company F., 
Palmetto Regiment, S. C. V., for the great 
honor done them in the presentation of a 
fragment of the State Colors, borne by that 
distinguished command from Vera Cruz to the 
city of Mexico in the brilliant campaign of 
1846-47, under Gen. Winfield Scott. This 
fragment of blue silk, with its faded fringe, 
carries us in memory to Contreras, Cherubus- 
co, Chapultepec and the Garita de Belin, and 
recalls the historic fact of the flag of the Pal- 
metto Regiment being the first to wave in vic- 
tory at the capital of Mexico. Charleston was 
represented in that Regiment by "Company 
F," otticered by Blanding, Manigault, Robert- 
son and Bell. Thirty years have passed away 
since the remnant of that command was wel- 
comed home, and the highest honors of the 
State and country bestowed upon them. Dur- 
ing this long period this little relic has been 
carefully preserved by the gallant and public 
spirited donor, and it now comes into our cus- 
tody that it may be preserved to posterity. 
We give it a worthy place in our armory, in 
close association with the full roll of the 
officers and men of that Regiment now adorn- 
ing our head-quarters. It will be valued with 
the Eutaw Standard and the Fort Sumter Flag, 
as tokens of South Carolina's historic past, 
and will ever repeat to each and all of us the 
injunction: "Sons be worthy of your sires." 
Be it, therefore. 

Resolved, That the Washington Light Infan- 
try accept with proper pride this little souve- 
nir of South Carolina's historic past; that it 
will be carefully preserved, not only for its 
military associations, but as well in testimony 
of the gallant donor's record in that chival- 
rous Regiment. 

Resolved, That Lieut. Robertson be enrolled 
as an honorary member of our corps; and a 
copy of these proceedings, duly attested, be 
forwarded to him by the Secretary. 

Both preambles and resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted. 



